In this episode of History Fix, I unpack the history of Valentine's Day. Join me to discover more about the holiday's bizarre Roman roots (there are naked, drunk priests!), how no one really knows who Saint Valentine was or what he did, and who sent the first valentine and when. You'll also learn about Esther Howland, the 18th century Massachusetts woman who started a multi-million dollar business in her 3rd floor bedroom crafting hand made valentines. 

www.somethingpeaceful.com

Sources: 

• History.com "History of Valentine's Day"
• NPR "The dark origins of Valentine's Day"
• Time Magazine "The Truth About the Connection Between Valentine's Day and the Ancient Roman Festival of Lupercalia"
• Library of Congress Blogs "Esther Howland and the Business of Love"
• British Library Medieval Manuscripts Blog "Charles d'Orleans, earliest known Valentine?"
• British Library Medieval Manuscripts Blog "My 'right well beloved Valentine'"
• Encyclopedia Britannica "The Parlement of Foules"

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